Photoelectrochemical cell

Patent · Tue Oct 30 04:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:5496628

Chen, S; Russak, M A; Witzke, H; Reichman, J; Deb, S K

Photoelectrochemical cell structures and methods of fabrication are disclosed which provide for easily manufactured efficient energy conversion devices. The structures incorporate one or more chambers for the electrolyte, and utilize semiconductor photoelectrodes. In the plural chamber structure, the semiconductor may be opaque, and need not necessarily be a thin film. Specific dopants for the semiconductor provide for decreased dark current and increased open circuit voltage. Post deposition treatment is disclosed for the semiconductor to provide an increased shorting current. Increased sputtering wattage is provided to increase the short circuit current available from the cell. An electrolyte composition is described having improved performance at high light intensity. In a multi-chamber embodiment, the electrode placement causes the photoactive site to be at an end of the chamber removed from the irradiation window, thereby permitting the use of non-transparent photoelectrodes. A third embodiment is disclosed including two photoelectrodes, in combination with a properly selected electrolyte, to provide response to two different portions of the spectrum at an increase operating efficiency. A method and apparatus is disclosed for utilizing a photoelectrochemical cell of the type provided in a dual role, both for electrical conversion of impinging radiation and for heat utilization resulting therefrom. Finally, a multi-chamber, multi-electrolyte structure is disclosed providing electrical charge storage after termination of radiation.

• Assignee: Refac Electronics Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 4172925
• OSTI ID: 5496628
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140505* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photochemical
Photobiological
& Thermochemical Conversion-- (1980-)
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
CADMIUM COMPOUNDS
CADMIUM SELENIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CRYSTALS
DESIGN
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ELECTROLYTES
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
HEAT
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROXIDES
INDIUM COMPOUNDS
INDIUM OXIDES
MATERIALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
POLYCRYSTALS
POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDES
SELENIDES
SELENIUM COMPOUNDS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
SODIUM HYDROXIDES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
STORAGE
TIN COMPOUNDS
TIN OXIDES
WASTE HEAT
WASTES
ZINC COMPOUNDS
ZINC SELENIDES